2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 600cc SportBike Unveiled

Yamaha has officially revealed the fifth-generation 600 cc supersport racing class bike YZF-R6 at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida, USA that is currently underway. The R6 is well-known in the 600cc bike racing for its dominating performance and sharp handling since its launch in 1999. The new bike will go on sale in North America by March 2017.

The new R6 styling seems like a direct inspiration from the flagship Yamaha YZF-R1 model, which is actually a derivative styling of the company’s MotoGP entrant Yamaha YZR-M1. The revised front fairing and windscreen is said to reduce aero drag by 8% than the previous model. The new LED headlamp with running lights looks similar to that of R1, while some of the weight-saving measures have resulted in lighter and stronger body frame.The bike will be available in 3 paint schemes in the U.S. – Matte Black, Team Yamaha Blue and Intensity White.

Although the exact engine specs are yet to be know, the YZF-R6 is likely to be powered by the same 599.8 cc inline 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled engine with better refinement and new upgrades. Paired to a 6-speed gearbox with multi-plate slipped clutch, the engine features ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system that electronically determines ideal throttle valve opening for enhanced performance.

2017 Yamaha YZF-R6’s styling: The influence of the MotoGP entrant YZR-M1 and YZF-R1 is eminent

The new R6, in addition, comes with quick shifter system for clutch-less gear shifts. The versatile traction control system with six-modes modulates the throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel volume as per road conditions, while the Yamaha D-Mode system enables the rider to choose the preferred engine character. ABS braking is standard as well.

There is no sign of Yamaha launch YZF-R6 in the Indian market in the near future. Notably, company is already selling YZF-R15 (150cc), YZF-R3 (321cc), and flagship YZF-R1 and R1M (998cc) range of sportbikes in India.

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Dhiyanesh is equally crazy about driving cars and writing about them. This guy loves everything with a steering wheel, so, at someday if self-driving cars take up all driving, he is sure to go nuts! He likes sedans of 90s era, esp W140 S-Class and R34 Skyline GT. Apart from usual motoring stuffs, he maintains a strong appetite for sociological perspectives on cars, their historical and cultural footprints. He owns a 1999 Fiat Siena passionately, and drives a Ford Fiesta.